Landlord:- e-bill

This query is : Resolved

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

10 August 2011 Hi ! I had been staying in this particular property for nearly 10 months ! Intially when i came in to this House owner told that they will be installing the Elecricity meter in just 2 mnths time .
After around 4 mnths they started demanding huge amount as E-city charge nearly 800rs ! I am upset here becoz normally i used to get charged just aroung 250-300rs meter charge in my prior locations as i hardly stay at home & dont have any heavy appliances . They also told us that they will credit us of extra charges paid by us after the Meter is installed . They never gave us any credit nor they gave us the bills coz there was no Meter istalled at-all even after repeated requests by nearly 8 tenants including me .
The worse thing was landlord started to threaten us asking us to vacate even though agreement was for 1yrs coz there is lot of demand for rent houses here in Bangalore & they are taking advantage of this .
Here My question to Experts are :- can i go ahead & file a case at police station against the 'LANDLORD' or should I contact a lawyer or what else can I do to stop this ,As i had earlier asked my fellow tenants to come along with me & file against "Landlord " but they always asked me to stay cool & wait & wait but its getting over every one's head as we all have been robbed .
Its a mistake from Owner's side .plz help me ...

U S Sharma

U S Sharma (Expert)
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10 August 2011 as the landlord said only, there is no evidence in your hand that he promised to put seperate meter, so the police will not take much interest in this case unless a valid document is produced.

jointly with all tenents discuss the matter with landlord and request him to install "sub-meter" for consumptions of tenents so ascertain the consumption atleast, till the new meter is installed. ( a sub meter can cost hardly 500 around per tenant)

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Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

13 August 2011 Hi thanks for ur valuable Reply Mr.Sharma !They had some temprorary -meter installed but i can see only around 3 meters for nearly 11 tenants ! Also there is a clause in the paper work mentioning about the meter (that is tenants are supposed to pay according to individual meters ) we've signed & they have . Can I not take this further ! I think this is a strong evidence with me ! What can be the penalty for the Landlord if I can get a positive result? Plz answer this query aswell !!!

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U S Sharma

U S Sharma (Expert)
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13 August 2011 a little bit tricky reply for your query..... try to perform it carefully

1) request your landlord to get meters at the earliest possible, and till then arrange for sub meters for each tenent.

2) if he accept it then its in your favor, otherwise ask him that you are willing to bring metre and want NOC from landlord. pressure him that the cost and conveyence todards this should be deducted from his rent payable in 6 equated monthly installments.

3. the landlord will feel awkward in such situation and will enforce you that he will not pay single penny or to divide the cost in 12 or 24 installments ............ in all such cases you would get eligible for permanent tenency in place of leave and licence agreement, as the electric metre is running in your name.

except clause 3......u can disclose the clause 1 and 2 to you co tenants and seek their vote. they will also come with you. but remember not to share clause 3 to anybody, but act only, otherwise the situation will get bitter for you.

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

16 August 2011 Thanks once again Mr.Sharma for investing ur time in answering my queries & giving me options aswell ! I assure : none of the matters discussed will be disclosed ! im going to use it wisely as last option during such dire situation only . I know it isint so easy as we talk ; here's more information ! I havent clearly mentioned about why landlord is not interested in installing it .
a. There are couple of tenants who have suggested landlord that they can help them by lending money for pulling a seperate current-line also to istall meters ! point to be noted is landlord refuses this coz they want to take advantage of this situation .
b. Local power authority is not giving them approval to pull a seperate line is because the bldg is more than 3 flrs & they have been askd to put a seperate Transformer as its considered as an Apartment _this had been told by owner itself .
c. Every one knows here that Landlord had been over ambitious to make fast money that's how they had forgotton about current line & seperate meters ! i fe
el they have done it purposefully coz they are not Uneducated .
d. Now we have been given with power supply but we know its trough some illegal way ; maybe by bribing the officials !
e. Though we pay the amt of money they are demanding we dont have the freedom to even watch T.V . They are just taking advantage of ppl's weakness coz nearly 10 of the tenants who are on rent & lease are family members including me ! U mite know how difficult its to move 2 another place with lot of house-hold things ! These are the reasons we are upset & frustrated & want to do something abt it . plz reply

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

(Expert)
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02 August 2024 I understand the situation is frustrating, and you're facing significant challenges with your landlord. Here’s a structured approach you can take to address the issues:

### **1. **Document Everything**

- **Gather Evidence**: Collect and document all evidence related to the issues:
- **Lease Agreement**: Highlight the clause related to electricity meters.
- **Communication Records**: Emails, messages, or any correspondence with the landlord regarding the meter installation and electricity charges.
- **Photos/Videos**: Evidence of the temporary meters, lack of individual meters, and any other relevant conditions.
- **Witness Statements**: Statements from other tenants can also strengthen your case.

### **2. **Communicate with the Landlord**

- **Formal Complaint**: Write a formal complaint letter to the landlord detailing the issues, the breach of the lease agreement, and your demands (e.g., installation of meters, correction of billing). Request a resolution within a specified timeframe.
- **Documentation of Requests**: Ensure all communication is documented.

### **3. **Legal and Regulatory Steps**

- **Consumer Forum**: If the landlord refuses to comply, you can approach a local consumer forum or consumer court. They handle cases related to service deficiencies, including issues with rental agreements and services provided.
- **Procedure**: File a complaint with the local consumer redressal forum or district consumer forum with all relevant documents and evidence.
- **Relief Sought**: Request for compensation for overcharged electricity and a directive for proper meter installation.

- **Legal Advice**: Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in property law can provide personalized guidance and help you understand your legal options better.
- **Legal Representation**: A lawyer can draft a legal notice to the landlord or represent you in court if needed.

### **4. **Report to Authorities**

- **Electricity Board**: Report the issue to the local electricity regulatory authority or electricity board. They might investigate the illegal electricity connections and ensure that proper procedures are followed.
- **Approach**: Provide them with the evidence of illegal connections and lack of individual meters.

- **Local Municipal Authority**: If the landlord is violating local building regulations or using illegal electricity connections, report these issues to the municipal authority.

### **5. **Seek Mediation**

- **Mediation**: Sometimes mediation services can help resolve disputes between tenants and landlords without going to court. A mediator can help negotiate a fair resolution.

### **6. **Consider Moving Out**

- **Plan for Relocation**: If the situation becomes untenable and the landlord continues to refuse to rectify the issues, you might need to start planning for relocation.
- **Notice Period**: Check your lease agreement for the notice period required for moving out.

### **Legal Consequences for the Landlord**

- **Penalties**: If found guilty of violating the lease agreement or providing illegal services, the landlord could face:
- **Monetary Penalties**: Compensation for overcharged amounts and potential fines.
- **Order for Compliance**: Directive to install individual meters and rectify the billing process.
- **Legal Action**: Depending on the severity, legal action could include compensation for damages and legal costs.

### **Summary**

1. **Document** all communications, agreements, and evidence related to the issues.
2. **Communicate formally** with the landlord requesting resolution.
3. **Seek legal advice** and consider filing a complaint with consumer forums or regulatory authorities.
4. **Report illegal activities** to the electricity board and local municipal authorities.
5. **Explore mediation** and relocation options if necessary.

Taking these steps can help address the situation effectively and ensure that your rights as a tenant are protected.